Colors of the Decade 1925

In celebration of our anniversary, we're taking a look back at color and innovation through the decades. The Colors of the Decades Collection features 11 palettes that act as mini time capsules for every decade since Dunn-Edwards was founded in 1925. So much has changed since then—innovations in technology, social shifts, and fashion trends—and yet, amazingly, much of the 1920s palette still feels relevant today.

1920s Palette

The 1920s were a decade of change, celebration, and rebellion. World War I had ended, ushering in an era of optimism and exuberance. The widespread defiance of Prohibition led to the rise of Jazz music, speakeasies (secret bars) and flappers (women who wore short, flashy dresses and broke taboos around smoking, drinking, and dancing).

This energetic, creative atmosphere naturally translated into a bolder, more playful approach to color, as we moved away from the muted, somber hues of the past. People were drawn to jewel tones and luxurious metallics, reflecting the era's forward-thinking spirit.

In architecture and design, Art Deco, Neo-Gothic, Beaux-Arts, and Period Revival were popular styles. Influenced by Hollywood films, we had a growing fascination with exotic locales and ornate, glamorous details. That often led to colorful design choices, with contrasting hues and metallics to accentuate geometric forms and other embellishments.

It was during this colorful, celebratory era that Dunn-Edwards was founded. Initially opened as a wallpaper store in Los Angeles by Frank “Buddy” Dunn in 1925, our company soon grew into the paint company we are today. Inspired by the colors of the popular wallpaper patterns he sold, Buddy expanded the business by adding a private label line of paints in 1927, later manufacturing them in the backroom of our second store.

This 1920s palette represents the spirit and grandeur of the decade. Use these colors anywhere you'd like to evoke the transformative energy of the Roaring Twenties, create a vintage glam vibe, or simply restore the color scheme of a historic building.

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